Inglese Lana Daniela - Bowling Italia

As you know, I grew up in Munich and that's where, for the first time, I walked into a bowling alley. We were about ten friends, they were naturally German, and we had so much fun that we decided to make bowling a weekly habit.

I was 16 then. I remember it as if it were yesterday, the president of the then largest club took me aside and asked if I had an interest in writing to me to seriously practice the sport of bowling. I immediately said yes, and my friends signed up with me. Thus began my wonderful and long adventure, which would bring me countless successes and satisfactions for 32 years! A year later I was already winning the German Junior Championships and from there, everyone, including me, understood that bowling was in my blood, an innate talent, as they say.

After a couple of years, with my friends we founded our Bowling Club Weiss Blau, which over the years became one of the most prestigious German clubs and which still exists today. We won always and everywhere, thanks of course to my exorbitant average and the grit that never left me. I know it sounds boisterous, but it's not. It's a fact. Later, after numerous German and non-German titles, they called me almost all over Europe as a guest of honor. I never paid for practice again and when I walked into any bowling alley in any city I was greeted at the microphone, so honored were the managers for having me in their venue. When I was then in the national team, they played the German anthem for me - European Championships, World Cup, European Cup - proud and moved, I wondered how it would be nice, one day, to hear the Italian anthem. As you well know, I did it. First time in Madrid at the 1985 European Cup against the German representative! By the eighth frame it seemed over... I made up 4 strikes in a row and won! Here, finally, on the first step of the podium, they were playing the Italian anthem just for me!!!! All the photos show me with my head in the cup, I was crying with joy and inside I thought: you did it!!!

Dear Damiano, I could tell you for hours and hours, bowling has been my life, 32 years of sport are long to tell, for now I have answered your questions.

Thank you so much for your interest.

The four-time European champion once again brought the name of bowling's Italy to the top.

On Tuesday 1° May, a grand gala was held at Lioness Bowling to celebrate the fourth title of Daniela Lana and other prominent players from the renowned Rainbowl Steltronic team.

Several political figures were present, including the Honorable Bruno Ferrari and Brescia Councilor Lino Gervasoni, who, in addition to congratulating Daniela Lana, were clearly interested in the clarifications that Dr. Pietro Murè, president of the FISB, provided them during the pleasant evening.

Between one little mess and another, during the celebrations, I kidnapped Daniela to ask him a few questions.

Are you greedy?

Unfortunately, yes, I always have a terrible appetite with no particular preferences: I eat just everything.

Do you have any preferences regarding the seasons of the year?

Yes,I prefer summer,even if you sweat, it's a season in which I feel freer, without the bulk of my coat or jackets

Speaking of summer, is there a particular place you'd like to go on vacation?

Of course: in Ibiza; I've been there before, but I haven't had the chance to visit it all. I'd like to go back.

Is there a place you've never seen and would like to see?

Yes, Japan: I hope to stop by sooner or later, even if only for a tournament

On what occasion did you first bowl?

I was a little girl in ’64 in Munich; it was a rainy Sunday and with friends not knowing where to go we entered a bowling center for the first time

So, initially, you didn't have a particular teacher?

No. I was self-taught from the beginning.

Was the initial style always the same?

About yes, I just stretched out, you won't believe it, much more.

Currently which bowl do you get the best result with?

With a 10 lb “Columbia” Blue Knight urethane, conventional top 0 drilled.

What was your greatest victory?

I think my first European Cup as an Italian, the one in 1985 in Madrid.

And the most bitter defeat?

Oddly enough, my bitterest defeat was second place in Manila at the 1979 World Cup, when I was competing for Germany.

And an achievement you'd like to forget?

A retreat of mine from the Duino tournament a couple of seasons ago

Roughly how many tournaments and titles he has won so far

Not out of modesty, but honestly I don't remember them all.

Everyone thinks of you as a perfect player. Can you reveal a flaw or bad habit you don't want to have?

Sometimes, suddenly, I don't feel like playing anymore and I give up everything. Fortunately, however, I recover at the insistence of those close to me.

What was the highest match?

One “290” at Loreto bowling in Milan in 1970.

When will the first official women's 300m in Italy be held? As you know, Gianna Morucchio has so far been the only one to achieve it in 1982 in training.

I hope soon, before I'm disliked by someone else.

Which Italian players do you prefer to play doubles with?

In the women's field, definitely with Filly Autieri, because he knows me very well. If it's a mixed tournament, however, my ideal partner is……; in fact, I share the Italian title of last season's specialty with him

Do you play or have you played any sport other than bowling?

I have practiced and still practice tennis

If you were a champion bowler, what other sport would you have wanted to be champion in?

Definitely tennis, after bowling it's my second love

Are you superstitious? Do you have a lucky charm?

No, I'm not superstitious, in fact I don't believe in anything.

What's the last movie you saw?

One of the films in the running for an Oscar: “Walking with Daisy”

Which singer do you prefer?

Steve Wonder.

Is there a character you would like to know personally?

Paul Newman.

Do you like animated films? Do you own any?

Yes, I've always liked them, but in the past I had no place to keep any. Lately I've owned a Maltese dog named …Strike.

The magnificent evening unfolds at the end; Daniela is loudly requested on the slopes for a final round of applause from those gathered.

The atmosphere is unrepeatable.

While we say goodbye, I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you for some advice for the new players, and you walk away: “Lots of patience and consistency!